Retro Africa

Themba Austin Khanyile, professionally known as Retro Africa, is a South African music producer, master audio engineer, and composer hailing from the streets of Soweto. Known for his "sonic precision," Retro Africa has established himself as the technical architect behind the Mate Music Entertainment sound, bridging the gap between underground authenticity and global radio-ready production.
The Sound & Evolution
Retro Africa’s musical journey is a masterclass in genre-fluidity. He first made waves in the industry with his Hip-Hop project, Unforgettable, where he mastered the art of rhythmic storytelling and vocal arrangement. Not content with staying in one lane, he transitioned into the high-energy world of EDM and Electro, a phase that sharpened his skills in large-scale sound design and cinematic textures.
Today, Retro Africa has distilled those diverse influences into his signature "Nostalgic Deep House" aesthetic. His music is defined by atmospheric depth, polished engineering, and a "slow-burn" energy that prioritizes soul over speed.
The New Era: Midnight Architecture
Entering 2026, Retro Africa is pushing the boundaries of the South African house scene with the introduction of "Cinematic Amapiano." His upcoming project, Midnight Architecture (May 2026), serves as a blueprint for this new era—blending the sophisticated "Private School" log drums with the lush, late-night synths of deep house.
Industry Impact
Beyond his solo work, Retro Africa remains a sought-after engineer and collaborator. His meticulous approach to mixing and mastering has made him a vital asset in the South African deep house landscape, ensuring that every release under his touch meets international standards.
With a catalogue that spans from the gritty streets of Soweto Hip-Hop to the polished floors of global dance music, Retro Africa is more than just a producer—he is an artist building the future of African electronic music, one layer at a time.